Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Lament ❯ Merci 2 ( Chapter 4 )

 

 

Love & Lament

 

Chapter Four

 

“Father, who are they?” Merci questioned her father, shocked at the appearance of the four savage looking dignitaries. There was one man and three women in the group. The man was older, but retained a powerful build. It was obvious that this man was a warrior of the greatest caliber. The three women all seemed the same age, and held themselves with a confidence that Merci wasn't used to seeing in women. All four of them were shorter than the average Mecurian, but their bodies were very fit or muscular, at least the parts that Merci could see. Their dark red, or in the case of one of the girls, black skin was draped in an assortment of animal hides and other grisly adornments. Merci couldn't be positive, but she could swear that one of the women's necklaces was made of ears.

 

“Hmpf, the barbarians.” Lord Egrenon snorted distastefully. “They are savages form Mars.” He paused as an odd look crossed his face. The Mecurian lord had spent the entire night introducing his daughter to various suitors, and Merci had yet to show an interest in any of them.

 

Lord Egrenon smirked inwardly. It was “common knowledge” that Martians bred like animals and had many wives. Egrenon did'nt expect Merci to be able to attract anyone higher than a duke or common lord, but it would be very fortunate if the Martian lord showed an interest in his daughter. Then regardless of if she liked the idea, Merci would be married to him. One did not deny a planet lord his choice in brides.

 

“Of course the Martians do have a very colorful heritage.” Egrenon lead his daughter toward the group. “Here, let me introduce you.” Merci barely hid her shocked expression as she found herself being guided to the four fearsome looking dignitaries.

 

“Lord JiJi!” Lord Egrenon called out joyfully, a false smile plastered across his brutish features. “I am happy you were able to attend. Please, allow me to introduce my daughter Merci. It is her Seepa that we honor today.”

 

“My Lady,” The Martian lord spoke in a deep rumbling voice. It reminded Merci of the sound of distant thunder. Intimidating, but at the same time comforting. “It is a great honor to celebrate this important day with you.”

 

The Martians civilized manor and gentlemanly bow both charmed and surprised Merci. The Martian lord gestured to the three young women standing at attention by his side. “This is my grand daughter Revian and her sword mates Phobos and Demios.”

 

“My lady.” All three women bowed simultaneously as they spoke.

 

Lord Egrenon waited an uncomfortable moment to see if either Lord JiJi or Merci would start a conversation. “Well, we have more guests to greet. Come along Merci.” Seeing that nothing was going to happen, the Mecurian king excused himself. He wanted to spend as little time as possible around the intimidating Martians.

 

Merci smiled suddenly as another entourage entered the ballroom. Lord Egrenon looked up, hopeful to see an eligible bachelor at the end of his daughters stare. He sighed disgustedly and returned to his seat when all he saw was his third daughter and her small group of guardsman.

 

Tetisu smiled at her younger sister while enveloping her in a motherly hug. “Sorry we are late. I hope things aren't too horrible.”

 

Merci continued smiling, grateful for a friendly face that wasn't trying to win her hand. “Any luck finding a decent man?” Tetisu asked in jest.

 

Merci rolled her eyes. “Ugh no. If just one man looked at me as something other than a potential step in his political career then I might be inclined to choose him.” Tetisu smiled fondly at her sister as she tugged at her loose fitting, silky, white gown. “My body drape is itching. I can't wait to get back in the water so I can remove this horrid thing!”

 

Merci looked up to her sister and her eyes nearly bugged out as she took in one of her sisters guards. “Bruuna is that you?” The once handsome guardsman had cleaned up rather nicely. Merci's best friend looked striking in a full set of ceremonial chitin armor. An elegant white shell mask covered the left side of her face, hiding the ruin left by the attack a few days prior. As always Bruuna had her trident proudly displayed at her side.

 

“My lady.” Bruuna gave Merci a courtly bow and gently kissed the top of her hand. Merci smiled happily at her friend's antics. Out of the corner of her eye, Merci noticed her father headed her way with yet another suitor in tow.

 

“Bruuna, will you dance with me?” The guard's eye widened slightly in shock before she readily agreed. Strapping her trident to her back, Bruuna proudly led her friend and secret love to the grand ballroom dance floor.

 

Merci breathed a sigh of relief as she saw her sister intercept her father and prevent him from calling her over. Now she was able to focus fully on the handsome woman who started to lead her in a waltz. “Bruuna, you are a fantastic dancer! How come I never knew this?”

 

The guardsman smiled fondly at her former mistress. “You never asked me to dance before.”

 

Merci laughed lightly as she placed her cheek against the taller woman's breastplate. “Serenity, life would be so much easier if you were a man.” It was a mumbled comment, but to Bruuna it was clear as day. She knew it was an impossible dream, and it broke her heart. They danced a five minute waltz, five minutes that Bruuna would treasure the rest of life.

::Sigh:: “Father's giving me the evil eye.” Merci looked up into her former guard and best friend's eye. She paused a moment seeing something there that she never noticed before. “I'm going to miss you.”

 

Not caring who was looking, Bruuna hugged her friend tightly to her before pulling away. “You better see what your father wants. He looks like he will come charging over here any second.”

 

 

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Two hours later, Merci sat next to her father watching the party go on around them. She figured that he was restricting her there. He was mad because she had not considered any of her many potential suitors. Tetisu sat to Merci's right, occasionally she would whisper something to her causing her to laugh. This would earn either an annoyed grunt or stare from their father. The two sisters were in the middle of another such exchange when Merci's attention was suddenly pulled elsewhere. Her eyes became riveted on a pair of dignitaries that were late arrivals to her celebration. As they entered they were announced as the first and second prince's of Jupiter, Hyperion, and Hektor.

 

Hektor stood a step behind his brother, he was a slight unassuming looking man. He had piercing gray eyes and shoulder length brown hair that draped along the collar of his rich, but tasteful clothes. Merci figured him to be just a few years her senior. It wasn't this young man who caught her eye however. It was Hyperion who stole her breath at first sight. Even Tetisu was taken aback by his towering muscular frame and painfully beautiful face. He had dark brown skin, darker even then his brothers, his hair was done into eight small braids which hung down his back and dangled near his waist. He too was dressed richly, but he wore more clothing and a massive metal breastplate. Merci gasped as he drew near, his emerald green eyes shown like a beacon as he approached.

 

Bruuna, who stood behind the Mecurian princess's noticed Hyperion's breastplate and nodded approvingly to herself. She saw it for the symbol it was. Unlike most royalty, Hyperion's well worn breastplate marked him as a fighting prince. Most royalty, including all of Mercury's relied on their servants to do their fighting for them. Hyperion was obviously not one of them. Most royalty who took up the sword did so not only to protect themselves, but their people as well. Bruuna eyed the massive broadsword strapped to the prince's side, and wondered briefly how she would fair in combat against a swordsman of one of the land races.

 

“My Lord Egrenon, I apologize for our late arrival. We are honored to be invited to celebrate your daughter's Seepa. Our father sends his regards and regrets that he could not come himself.” Both sons of Jupiter bowed deeply in respect to the Mecurian Lord.

 

“My lady.” Hyperion dropped to one knee while taking Merci's hand and placing a light kiss upon it. Hektor remained a pace behind him and bowed to Merci.

 

Merci's first coherent thought was on how soft the giant man's lips felt against her skin and how gentle his voice seemed. She expected a deep booming base, but it was smooth and gentle, almost feminine. A blush colored her pale blue features as she studied the prince. Try as she might she could not look away from the emerald depths of his eyes, she felt as if she were drowning.

 

Lord Egrenon took his daughter's silence as yet another rejection and politely dismissed the two Jupiterion's. The Mecurian lord slouched in his throne, steaming mad. He was pissed that yet another one of his daughters was not going to be leaving his household. What seemed like hours later he felt Tetisu tap his shoulder. He nearly yelled at her in annoyance, until she directed him to watch Merci.

 

Intrigued, Lord Egrenon studied his daughter. He was delighted to find that her eyes would not deviate from the Jupiterion, Hyperion. The massive prince seemed to be trying to find some space, and excited the grand ballroom.

 

Tetisu smiled to herself, she had been trying to figure out how to get her sister to approach the beautiful prince. This, she saw, was the perfect opportunity. She turned and whispered into her dazed sister's ear. “Merci, he will be alone outside. Here is your chance.”

 

“What do you mean?” Merci asked as she was pulled from her daze. The light blush covering her skin was evidence enough that she knew exactly what her sister was talking about.

 

Tetisu's face became serious as she spoke to her sister in an almost pleading tone. “Sis, don't spend the rest of your life living with father. You have seen what that has done to our sisters, and what it's doing to you. Please, Merci, go talk to the prince. Serenity willing he will like you and take you away from this damned place.” Merci nodded once in understanding. Taking a deep breath to gather herself, she stood and followed the Jupiterion prince.

 

A huge grin split across Lord Egrenon's face. He sat happily in his chair until a stray thought hit him. “You, little guard.” He barked addressing Bruuna, who happened to be the closest guard to him.

 

“Follow them. Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.” Bruuna glanced at her new Mistress who nodded in agreement.

 

“Her dowry won't be much if she loses her virtue before the wedding.” Lord Egrenon mumbled to himself. Tetisu stared at her father in shock. Bruuna shook her head in disgust before turning to follow her friend.

 

 

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“Damn it, I told you I wanted to be left alone!” Hyperion lifted his head to glare at the intruder. His ire at being interrupted vanished when he saw the Mecurian princess who's Seepa he was supposed to be celebrating. The princess stood frozen in place, shocked at his outburst, and faintly trembling from nervous humiliation.

 

An apologetic look quickly fell over the price's features. Rising to his feet he bowed, and sincerely apologized to the princess. “My lady, I am sorry to have been so rude. I thought that you were my brother.”

 

Merci had been searching across the artificial island for the prince. Now that she finally found him, she found that she was too nervous to speak. Her gaze was locked on the ground, unable to look the prince in the eye. Instead she looked at his feet, and couldn't help but wonder how a man as large as he would have such slender feet.

 

“Uhm…” Merci stammered out, obviously nervous. “Would you mind some company?”

 

Hyperion had left the ball room because he was feeling crowded and needed some privacy. When he found himself inviting the princess to sit with him he couldn't understand why he had done so.

 

Merci offered a shy smile and Hyperion offered her a hand as he returned to his seat on a ledge of the artificial island. Merci sat next to him, but still looked anywhere but in his eyes. She focused on his legs which were partially submerged in the ocean. They sat in silence for a time, not sure of what to say.

 

“We don't have anything like your floating palaces on Jupiter. It's relaxing here, the sound of the ocean helps me to clear my thoughts, and the water feels wonderful on my feet.” Hyperion felt as if he needed to explain why he was sitting next to the water barefoot.

 

Merci smiled to herself, grateful that the prince had broken the ice. “Why just soak your feet when you can swim?” Merci asked casually as she pulled of her gown and kicked off her slippers, before diving neatly into the ocean. Unnoticed in the dark, Hyperion became darker than the Martians as he hastened to cover his eyes.

 

“My lady, your clothes!” The giant prince stammered, looking away from the spot where Merci's head poked up from the gently rolling ocean.

 

“Is something wrong?” Merci swam next to the prince and rested her elbows on the ledge next to where his feet dangled into the water. She could not understand why he was looking away and acting so embarrassed.

 

“Your clothes my lady.” Hyperion held out the discarded garment. His eyes shifted everywhere but to the nude woman treading water next to him.

 

“Oh leave it there” Merci stated distastefully as she moved her hair away from her face. “The dreadful thing is too cumbersome, and it itches.”

 

Bruuna, who had concealed herself in the surrounding gardens, shook her head in embarrassed sympathy for her friend. Merci was truly clueless as to what was bothering the price. Wanting to look at Hyperion, Merci effortlessly leapt from the water to sit next to him. The moonlight hit the beads of water cascading from her body, giving her an ethereal glow.

 

Merci placed her small hand on Hyperion's thick arm. She just could not figure out why he was so tense and obviously uncomfortable.. She had been nervous at first, but now that she had shed her body drape and was near the water, she had regained her confidence. “My Lord, have I done something to offend you?”

 

“Please, my lady, take your clothes.” Hyperion stammered as he pushed the garments into the confused princess's hands. “It's highly improper!”

 

Merci took the wrinkled gown, looking at it with obvious distaste. “My lord, I don't understand.” Merci was confused. “Is it customary on Jupiter for the men to throw off their body drapes before the women?”

 

“No! Put your clothes on! It's not proper for a man and woman to see each other unless they are lovers!” Hyperion was almost shouting. He was flabbergasted, not knowing what it would take to make this woman understand what was to him so obviously wrong.

 

Merci was shocked. She looked as if Hyperion just said it was natural to eat ones young. “Are you saying that Jupiterions wear drapes all the time?” Merci was positively horrified, but still slipped back into her garment. She did not want the prince to remain uncomfortable.

 

“Of course we do, everyone does!” Hyperion was clearly deathly embarrassed.

 

“Oh!” Merci smiled in understanding, while trying to stifle her laughter.

 

“How can you laugh? This is serious!” Hyperion started to feel as if he was being insulted, and it showed in his voice. Angry, he moved to put his boots back on.

 

“My lord, please don't go! This is just a cultural misunderstanding. I mean no offense.” Merci spoke quickly as the large prince halted his retreat while waiting for an explanation.

 

“With the exceptions, like interplanetary events, we live entirely under water. We don't wear body drapes, because we have no need for them.”

 

“Wait.” Hyperion had calmed down, and returned to his seat next to Merci. “You live underwater?” Merci nodded, smiling at the beautiful prince. “But, how can you breathe?”

 

Merci turned her head and pushed the hair away from her ear. She pulled her earlobe down, exposing several gill slits. “Mecurians have gills as well as lungs.”

 

Hyperion stared, fascinated by the blue skinned woman who sat next to him. “And, no one wears clothes under water?”

 

Merci shook her head no. “Only warriors, they wear fish scale, or chitin armor. Only the strongest warriors can swim effectively in that. The rest of us don't bother, because the drapes would become too heavy and cumbersome to swim in.”

 

Merci continued on answering questions about her people. In turn she was able to learn a small chunk of what life on Jupiter was like. Merci was captivated by the giant price, and Hyperion in turn was surprised to find out how much he enjoyed the young Mecurian's company. The two spoke for several hours on various subjects. The ease at which they were able to communicate astounded both of them.

 

At one point in the evening, Merci had tried to get Hyperion to swim with her, but he seemed very uptight about removing any of his clothing. She offered to get him a slip, but he declined. Unable to remain on the land when she was so close to the ocean, Merci had jumped back in. She did keep her gown on out of consideration to Hyperion.

 

“My lord,” Merci questioned as she swam up to the ledge that Hyperion reclined on. “Why did you leave the party earlier?” It was obvious that he had come out seeking space, Merci felt compelled to find out why.

 

Hyperion looked at the young princess sitting next to him. She was a cute young woman who would one day be very beautiful. Her skin was a murky bluish-green and her long hair was a deep blue. She was trim and athletic and her eyes held a look of hidden intelligence. Hyperion's gaze locked on Merci's piercing blue eyes. He studied her through them, wanting to trust her with his secrets, but not sure if he should.

 

“I have had a lot on my mind as of late.” Hyperion began to speak before a conscious decision had been made. “My father was supposed to have been here, but he fell ill a month ago and had to send my brother and I in his stead.”

 

“Is it serious?” Merci asked, trying not to feel guilty that she was happy that whatever the circumstances, Hyperion was here.

 

“Aye.” Hyperion admitted, while he spoke he never removed his gaze from Merci's. Merci could feel a warmth building in her belly at the intense look of the incredibly beautiful prince.

Hyperion noticed a change in Merci's eyes, clearly recognizing the thinly veiled look of desire. Merci did not seem like she was trying to hide it, nor did it seem like she even realized it was there. He could not help it when his heart paced just a few beats faster.

 

“My father has long battled a disease that afflicts the older of our race. He is nearing seventy three, and I fear that he will not last the year.” Hyperion spoke of his fears for the first time to anyone. Although many people in the Jupiterion court assumed this to be true, no one had yet to speak of it. “He had shown signs of the disease before, but it was never this serious. Just last month he seemed strong and healthy. This latest episode caught everyone by surprise.”

 

The pain in Hyperion's eyes and voice was obvious. The fact that he loved his father and was devastated by his illness was clear for anyone to see. Even though she barely knew him, Merci felt as if she could feel his pain as clearly as he did. Without thinking she grasped his hand. Hyperion tensed at first, but accepted the touch and engulfed Merci's hand in his own. Merci did not speak, she did'nt need to. Hyperion could feel her strength and support, it encouraged him to open up more.

 

“Even though no one will speak of how bad his condition really is, talks of crowning his successor have already begun. Traditionally as his first born son I am to take the throne. My mother, however has gained the support of a small group of nobles and is trying to get my brother to take my father's place.”

 

“Your brother, Hektor?” Merci questioned.

 

“Aye, you met him earlier.” Hyperion's voice became distant. “Hektor is my only sibling. I don`t want to be at odds with him. Before he became ill, my father had always made it very clear that he wanted me to rule once he stepped down. If it wasn`t for his wishes, I would gladly support my brother`s bid for the throne.” Hyperion sighed and ran his other hand down his neck, easing the tension that built there. He turned his gaze away from Merci, to look out into the endless expanse of the ocean. “I never was able to say no to my father. My loyalty to him might end up costing me my brother.”

 

Merci tightened her grip on Hyperion`s hand. She waited for him to say more, but for the moment he was content to stare out to sea. She took that opportunity to study the profile of his face. She was once again struck by his almost effeminate beauty, he took her breath away.

The feelings that Hyperion stirred inside of her both frightened and excited Merci. Never did she think that she could really meet someone whom she could love, or be loved by. She hoped desperately that he felt even a fraction of what she was feeling toward him.

 

Suddenly embarrassed by her thoughts, Merci felt the need to break the silence. She supposed that perhaps she just wanted to hear his voice more. “My father never had any sons. There are two Lord's, one of which my sister Tetisu is married to, that are being groomed to take his place when he dies. If there is any fighting to be done it won't be between my family.”

 

“Are you close to your sisters?” Hyperion wandered. The size of Lord Egrenon's household was infamous throughout the galaxy. He could not fathom what kind of relationship one could foster with that many siblings.

 

“Not really.” Merci spoke off handedly. “All of us have our own interests and responsibilities. And they rarely overlap with each other. I'm really only close with my sister Tetisu, and my younger sisters Alona and Elaruu. I'm responsible for their education.”

 

“You're a teacher then?” Hyperion found that he was easily intrigued by Merci and felt as if he needed to know more.

 

“Yes.” Merci smiled shyly. Her impish grin caught the corner of Hyperion's eye, and the large prince could not stop the flutter of his stomach or the pale blush that darkened his skin. “I guess I never really looked at it that way before. I like it though. Right now I am trying to teach them as many different languages as I can.”

 

“Why is that?” Hyperion queried. “All of the races are taught the lunar tongue so we will never have problems communicating.”

 

“That's true.” Merci sighed, a little disappointed. “Most people tell me it's silly and useless to know. I just think that it would be wonderful to be able to travel the galaxy and represent Mercury by honoring every world's languages and traditions.”

 

“It's not silly.” Hyperion looked at Merci again. His approval pleased her and it showed clearly upon her face. “That is a very good idea. I know that I for one would be more likely to respect an otherworlder if they spoke my native tongue.”

 

Merci's smile brightened. The two companions said nothing, for a moment they remained content to study the other. When Merci realized what she was doing, she became embarrassed and thoughtlessly returned the conversation to Hyperion's family.

 

“Why did you yell at me when you thought I was your brother?” Merci closed her eyes, more embarrassed by her question than her thoughts and the previous silence. “I'm sorry, that is none of my business.”

 

“No, no that's all right.” Hyperion wasn't surprised this time when he found himself wanting to volunteer more about himself. He had never before met anyone that he felt comfortable enough to do that with. Throughout the night both of them were surprised at how much they had revealed to each other. They spoke of things that they had never told anyone, and yet they felt perfectly safe sharing it with each other. Even though she was many years younger than he and they had just met, Hyperion found himself completely smitten by the fascinating young Mecurian.

 

“We were just continuing an argument that we had started earlier today. I had questioned his desire for the throne and whether it was his, or mother's wish.” Hyperion looked a little embarrassed at that. “I suppose it was quite rude of us to be bringing those things up while we were supposed to be celebrating your Seepa.”

 

“Why won't your mother support you?” Merci asked, ignoring his embarrassment. She repositioned herself to get more comfortable. She cradled her head in the nook of one of her arms, She had yet to let go of Hyperion`s hand with the other. Her body remained floating comfortably in the rolling ocean. Hyperion had curled up next to the edge of the water so that he could face Merci while they talked.

 

“I… I am not sure.” Hyperion responded to Merci's question. For the first time during their conversation, Merci felt as if he was hiding something.

 

“No…” Hyperion could not bring himself to lie to Merci, but he knew he could not tell her the truth either. “That's not true, I know why she won't support me but…” His words would not come. Merci could see that he wanted desperately to be able to confide in her, but for whatever reason, he could not bring himself to.

 

“It's all right.” Merci whispered before pushing herself out of the water to be closer to the troubled prince. Throughout the night he had treated her with a kind of respect and reverence that she had never received from a man before. She felt as if they were of equal standing. He had listened to her, genuinely interested in what she had to say , and not once did she feel like a prize he was trying to secure. She hadn't known him long enough to say she loved him, but she knew that he was someone she could easily fall for. And perhaps a small part of her already was. For someone in her station, that was a blessing that few could expect or hope for.

 

Hyperion swallowed deeply as Merci inched closer to him. “I hope that someday you will know me well enough to trust me with your secrets.”

 

Hyperion's emerald eyes locked upon Merci's dazzling blues. “I think I would like that.” He spoke in a husky whisper as both of them moved in closer to each other. They met in a tentative kiss, which gradually deepened into a gentle exploration. They broke apart only when the need for air forced them. Merci smiled brilliantly as Hyperion gently caressed her cheek. They never broke eye contact, and Merci could not help but marvel at how soft this giant's touch was and how gentle his lips were.

 

“Hyperion!” A loud male voice startled the two from their private moment. Merci instinctively dove under water. Bruuna, who had been standing guard, but not actively watching the two quickly scanned the perimeter for the source of the voice. She was easily able to locate Hektor who was heading in his older brother's direction.

 

“Hektor!” Hyperion stood quickly, still dazed and short on breath. Hektor eyed his older brother curiously for a moment.

 

“I've been looking all over for you.” Hektor sounded exasperated. “What in Saturn's name have you been doing out here all night?” He waited until it was obvious that Hyperion was not going to answer. The young price sighed as he slumped down next to his brother, who also sat down. Merci moved a few feet away from the water's edge, until she could see the brothers from under the crystal clear waves.

 

“Hyperion… I, I want to apologize.” Hektor began to speak. “I have been a real ass lately. The truth is, I don't want to rule Jupiter anymore than you do. But for some reason, mom really does not like you. And, just as you cannot deny father, I cannot deny her.”

 

Hyperion was confused, but did not show it. “Why are you telling me this?”

 

“I just want you to know that no matter what, we are still brothers. I have looked up to you and respected you since I was a baby, and that has not, nor will it change.” Hektor reached out his hand toward his brother. “Promise me that we won't let anything that happens become personal. Win or loose, when this is over I want to know that I still have my brother.”

 

Hyperion nodded briefly and grasped his brother's much smaller hand before pulling him into a fierce hug. “You have my word on that little brother.”

 

“Well,” Hektor pulled away, awkwardly trying to hide his tears. “Our transport begins in half a candle mark. I'll wait for you there.”

 

Hyperion watched his brother's retreating form, hating his parents for putting them in this situation. Once Hektor was out of sight, Hyperion turned to the water in search of the young princess who had unknowingly claimed his heart.

 

Hyperion's breath caught as he watched the blue skinned princess leap from the water. She made it seem effortless. The morning sun bathed her body, causing her dress to become virtually transparent. Hyperion's heart skipped a beat as the image of Merci became permanently engraved in his memory.

 

Merci walked to his side, smiling shyly. He stepped forward, taking her hand in his own. “My lady.”

 

“Please,” The princess interrupted him. “Call me Merci.”

 

Hyperion grinned slightly. “Merci, my transport starts soon. I…” Taking a deep breath, Hyperion came to an important decision. Even if it cost him his heart, he knew that he needed to try. No one in all his twenty-three years had ever affected him even a fraction of the way the smiling Mecurian had in just one evening. One thing caused a slight hesitation. He had a secret. A secret that only his parents knew, the real reason why his mother was against him taking the throne. When revealed, he feared it would drive Merci away. His heart, however, demanded that he take that chance. He knew she was worth it.

 

Wordlessly he slipped a ring from his slender finger. Merci watched him quizzically. She was surprised when he took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. It hardly fit, but it was the gesture that mattered. Merci studied the heavy gold ring. It was thick and was adorned with an intricate design of oak leaves. The tiny leaves encircled the band, framing Hyperion's personal seal.

 

“My lady Merci.” Hyperion spoke hesitantly, still holding Merci's slightly trembling hand in his. He bent down so that his forehead rested lightly against hers. “Take my ring as a promise. When this business between my brother and I is settled, I will return to you. And, if you will have me, I would join with you in marriage.”

 

Tears pooled in Merci's eyes as she gazed upon the beautiful visage of the man she knew she would one day marry. Running her hand down his smooth cheek, she drew him into a gentle kiss. It was sweet and full of promise of the wonderful things to come.

 

“I say yes, my lord Hyperion.”

 

They both smiled as they shared a few more gentle kisses, before settling into a comfortable embrace. Before long, too soon for the young couple, Hektor's voice was heard calling for his brother to leave.

 

“My lady. Merci, I have to go now.” Merci could tell that this was the last thing that he wanted. She wondered briefly if he would be just as loathe to return to Jupiter if they hadn't met.

 

Hyperion was startled to feel Merci slipping something onto his pinky. Looking down, he saw Merci sliding an ornate, fragile looking ring onto his finger. The delicate ring was made of a material he had never seen before.

 

“It's a promise.” Merci spoke as their eyes met. “As soon as your life is settled, you will find me.”

 

Hyperion lifted the small princess holding her tightly to his chest. Hyperion's breastplate pressed against her skin uncomfortably, but that was the last thing on Merci's mind. The new couple sealed their promise and said their temporary goodbyes in a soul joining kiss. For this brief moment, their lives were perfect.